. >> reporter: speaker boehner said they would have to avoid nasty fights and according to "the new york times," they seemed to listen. but it could push the country offer the fiscal cliff, the 1st of january. that's when the number of tax cuts expired dubbed taxmageddon. and severe cuts that defense spending would be triggered. the sticking point on avoiding that cliff -- taxes. the president campaigned on and won on letting tax cuts for the rich expire. a leading republican said no. >> no republican is going to vote for higher tax rates. we will generate revenue from eliminating deductions from loopholes. >> reporter: if that sounds like the argument we heard before, you're right. that rates for the rich rise. are we headed for that cliff? >> so if the republicans will not agree wi that, we will reach a point at the end of this year where all the tax cuts expire and we'll start over next year. >> on friday, congressional leaders come here to the white house to start negotiations in earnest. david kerley, abc news, the white house. >>> two weeks after superstorm sandy dealt its devastat